Debate "Housekeeping" (03:12)

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Moderator John Donvan frames the debate on whether Europe has declared war on American tech companies and introduces panelists.

Opening Statement For: Roslyn Layton (06:19)

American Enterprise Institute Visiting Scholar, Layton states that the E.U. has created well-intentioned but misguided regulatory policies, resulting in the need to declare war on American tech companies. She discusses effects of the GDPR and European tech progress.

Opening Statement Against: Ramesh Srinivasan (06:10)

UC Digital Cultures Lab Director and Founder, Srinivasan quotes Mark Zuckerberg's comments on the GDPR. He cites three reasons the E.U. is not declaring war on American tech companies and discusses the foundation of the internet.

Opening Statement For: Berin Szoka (06:25)

TechFreedom Founder and Director Szoka states that he loves Europe but it is a terrible place to build a business. Foreigners are coming to America because the country's digital technology framework allows success—permissionless innovation.

Opening Statement Against: Marietje Schaake (07:01)

Stanford Cyber Policy Center International Policy Director, Schaake states Europeans are sensitive to abuse of power, intrusion, and surveillance; regulation is about protecting fundamental rights and safeguarding security. Many Americans are open to the idea of more oversight in the digital economy.

E.U. Regulation and Silicon Valley (10:45)

Donvan summarizes opening statements. Szoka considers E.U. motives. Panelists disagree whether the E.U. is trying to make tech companies pliant and if it is jealous of Silicon Valley.

European Scoreboard (02:40)

Layton argues that E.U. regulations make it difficult for small business to grow; it is selective. Srinivasan counters that the GDPR influences a business ecosystem to emerge in relation to technology companies and policies.

Data Experimentation (07:56)

Srinivasan counters claims that requiring permissions and implementing data limitations targets business models. Szoka argues that the E.U. regulatory system is based on control. Schaake denies there is a focus on American tech companies.

Q/A: Europe as Protector (05:11)

Schaake argues that the discussion would occur in any society where disruption of old industry occurs. Layton counters that the GDPR makes experimentation of emergent technologies illegal.

Q/A: Who is Declaring War? (07:12)

In Europe, American companies are weaponizing European policy against one another; policymakers wage war against digital disruption. Srinivasan argues that European tech companies are innovative and that policy allows collaboration. Schaake questions the appearance of unregulated space.

Q/A: User Benefits (03:50)

Srinivasan states that the E.U. supports commonsense balance that is good for consumers and tech companies. Szoka argues that fear is the fundamental motivation behind regulation.

Q/A: Regulatory Harm? (04:56)

Some European laws violate the U.S. first amendment; smaller tech companies cannot afford regulations. Immediate removal of content that anyone suggests is harmful prohibits a significant amount of speech. Schakke argues that is an example of safeguarding principles, not the targeting of American companies.

Closing Statement For: Layton (02:36)

Do policies actually do what they claim? People's trust in E.U. policies is at a low point. Policymakers want to control American tech companies.

Closing Statement Against: Srinivasan (02:19)

A poll suggests that Americans across the country support technology regulation. People want a balanced climate and companies are defining E.U. regulations.

Closing Statement For: Szoka (02:21)

Small tech companies cannot succeed in Europe; the E.U. does not make innovation possible. Regulations protect big businesses from disruption.

Closing Statement Against: Schaake (03:11)

Amsterdam has an innovative economy with a lively start-up sector. What is better for people? Maximizing profit is the main goal of shareholders.

Time to Vote (06:48)

Donvan instructs the audience to vote and thanks panelists for their participation. Panelists reflect on the future of tech regulation and its role in political platforms.

Audience Voting Results (01:06)

Pre-debate For: 30% - Against: 23% - Undecided: 47% Post-debate For: 30% - Against: 64% - Undecided: 6%

Credits: Europe Has Declared War on American Tech Companies: A Debate (00:09)

Credits: Europe Has Declared War on American Tech Companies: A Debate